Sunday, October 25, 2020

Courage to Thrive

 


When wrestling with depression and anxiety, getting out of bed is a courageous move. When panic attacks and suicidal thoughts strike, finding victories in the small things of life and reframing feelings can help a person flourish even in the midst of mental health struggles. Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan knows all about that—he’s spent two decades combatting mental illness head on.

In his first-person spiritual journal Courage to Thrive, Flanagan takes the reader with him as he traverses the dark and scary landscape of his mind and then the paths of faith that lead him to the Source of light and hope. Through a vulnerable look at the realities of a priest battling mental illness and still thriving, readers—whether dealing with similar mental health challenges or the stressors of everyday life—are left with a quiet confidence that assures them they too can thrive and enjoy the gifts God has given them.

Each of the forty reflections concludes with a heartfelt prayer that revels in God’s healing mercies. Join Flanagan on a journey to joy, peace, and hope.

My thoughts: This devotional is an excellent, encouraging one to anyone who is struggling with depression or those who are walking beside those who have depression. I love that the author is coming from a place of knowledge on what the reader might be feeling. It's also an encouraging book that reminds the reader of the courage that it takes to get out of bed and take on daunting tasks. This is an excellent devotional!

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

About the Author

Flanagan Bio PicRev. Dr. Bob Flanagan has struggled with mental illness and managed to thrive for over twenty years. He holds a doctorate of ministry degree in Christian Spirituality and is an adjunct faculty member at General Theological Seminary in New York City, teaching on Christian spirituality. He has served for over ten years as a state and federal advocate for and board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. His previous book, Growing a Sustainable Soul, won a bronze medal in the Reader’s Favorite International Book Contest. Bob lives with his wife, Lanie, in Bridgewater, Connecticut. They have two grown children.

 

More from Robert

Courage to Thrive: Finding Joy and Hope in the Midst of Mental Health Struggles is a pioneering and beautiful book that will help people feel better about themselves and their mental health struggles. I smile knowing that readers will feel the love of God and God’s healing mercies by spending time journaling about their own challenges.

As a priest who struggled with suicidal ideation during seminary and anxiety and depression at various times in my live, I feel this book is a way to change the conversation about mental health within the Christian community.

 

Trivia

I was a top athlete during college.

My favorite type of dog is the Newfoundland. While that is the best dog in the world. I only have a cat right now.

I became a Christian when I was five and remember my baptism.

My wife and I are avid gardeners. We have a big garden that includes sunflowers, potatoes, and many herbs that can be used as medicines. Its based on the English physic gardens that pastors grew in the 1700s.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, October 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 18

Captive Dreams Window, October 18

Artistic Nobody, October 19 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

deb’s Book Review, October 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 21

For Him and My Family, October 22

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 25

Inklings and notions, October 26

Mary Hake, October 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 27

Writing from the Heart Land, October 28

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Robert is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10257/courage-to-thrive-celebration-tour-giveaway

7 comments:

  1. Wonderful review! This devotional sounds like one not to miss. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This sounds like it would be a very helpful book during this trying times, especially. Nice review.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This sounds like a good book about a very important topic.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I appreciate getting to hear about your book. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds like a great resource on an important topic!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for sharing the book and author details, this sounds like a very helpful read.

    ReplyDelete